Former Surrey mayor calls for independent investigation into SPS chief’s dismissal

Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum is calling for an independent police investigation into the dismissal of Surrey Police Service Chief Norm Lipinski and the resignations of two Surrey Police Board directors.

McCallum said no one is above the law, including councillors and mayors, and argued that if any rules were broken, those responsible should face appropriate legal consequences. He also said the investigation should not be conducted by the RCMP, citing concerns about perceived conflicts because current Surrey Police Board chair Rob Stutt is a former RCMP member.

According to public statements made by McCallum, he believes the matter should be investigated by an independent police agency from outside Surrey to ensure public confidence in the process.

Lipinski was removed from his position on June 1. The Surrey Police Board confirmed the dismissal the following day but did not publicly provide detailed reasons for the decision. Former board chair Harley Chappell subsequently resigned, stating the decision had been made under political pressure.

The issue has become a significant governance matter for Surrey as questions continue over the circumstances surrounding the chief’s removal and the oversight role of the police board. McCallum, who is preparing to run in Surrey’s mayoral election this October, said an external investigation is necessary to determine whether any rules or procedures were violated.